Mexico - myth or reality in the land of the Maya
General information
Mexico lies in the south of North America. It borders the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south, and has coastlines on the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest cities in the world and an important political, cultural and economic centre.
The country is large and geographically diverse - from desert regions and high volcanoes to tropical forests and long Caribbean beaches. This allows Mexico to be a cultural, historical and beach destination all at once.
For many travellers the first association is Cancún and the Riviera Maya, but behind the resorts lies a history that began long before the Spanish conquest. Archaeological sites, colonial towns, traditional markets and modern megacities are all part of the same journey.
Climate
Mexico's climate depends strongly on geography and altitude. On the Caribbean and Pacific coasts it is warm all year round, while in the central highlands temperatures are more moderate.
In Yucatán and on the Riviera Maya there are usually distinct dry and rainy seasons. The most popular period for a beach holiday is from late autumn to spring, when the weather is drier and more pleasant. The summer and early autumn months are more humid and are part of the tropical storm and hurricane season in the Caribbean.
For exploring Mexico City and the archaeological sites in the centre of the country, the drier months are also a convenient choice. Mexico City's altitude - over 2,200 metres - gives it a climate quite different from that of the coastal resorts.
Culture and history
Mexico's history began thousands of years before the arrival of the Spanish. Civilisations such as the Olmecs, Maya, Zapotecs, Teotihuacanos and Aztecs developed here. Their cities, temples and works of art are among the most important testimonies of the ancient civilisations of the Americas.
One of the most impressive archaeological sites is Teotihuacan, not far from Mexico City. The city flourished centuries before the rise of the Aztecs and is best known for the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Aztecs discovered the abandoned city centuries later and linked it to their own ideas about the origin of the world.
Mexico City itself was also built on the site of an ancient city. The Aztec capital Tenochtitlan was founded in the 14th century on islands in Lake Texcoco. After the Spanish conquest the city was destroyed, and colonial Mexico City was built on its remains.
Today in the historic centre you can see both remains of the Aztec capital and cathedrals, palaces and squares from the colonial period. The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is one of the most important places for understanding the country's pre-Hispanic history.
To the east and south stretches the world of the Maya. This civilisation developed complex cities, writing, calendar systems, mathematics and astronomy. One of its best-known centres is Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula.
The most recognisable building there is the El Castillo pyramid, dedicated to the deity Kukulcán. The archaeological complex also includes temples, plazas and courts for the traditional Mesoamerican ball game.
Another interesting Maya city is Tulum, right on the Caribbean coast. Unlike many other archaeological sites, here the ruins stand directly above the sea and combine history with the characteristic landscape of the Riviera Maya.
Yucatán is also known for its cenotes - natural limestone formations that are caves or pools filled with underground and surface water. For the ancient Maya they had religious significance, and today they are popular places for swimming, diving and sightseeing.
After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century a new period in the country's history began. Spanish influence is felt above all in architecture and religion. Cities such as Mérida, Puebla, Oaxaca and Guanajuato are known for their colonial centres, squares and churches.
Mexican culture, however, is not simply a combination of Spanish and indigenous heritage. Over the centuries its own identity took shape, which today can be seen in music, art, cuisine and festivals.
The best-known festival is Día de Muertos - the Day of the Dead. It is celebrated at the beginning of November and is dedicated to loved ones who have passed away. Rather than being only a sad occasion, it includes flowers, candles, photographs, food and specially decorated altars. The tradition is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Mexico also had a strong artistic tradition in the 20th century. Frida Kahlo is one of the most recognisable Mexican artists. Her home in Mexico City, known as the Casa Azul, is now a museum. Her work is often linked to Mexican identity, her personal life and local culture.
Another great artist is Diego Rivera, best known for his monumental murals. Together with José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros, he is one of the leading figures of Mexican muralism - a movement that used public art to present history and social themes.
Mexican cuisine is another reason the country is so interesting. It is much more than the tacos and nachos known around the world. Corn, beans, chilli peppers, tomatoes and cocoa have been part of the region's food tradition for centuries. In 2010 traditional Mexican cuisine was added by UNESCO to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Different regions have their own specialities. Yucatán is known for dishes such as cochinita pibil, Oaxaca for various kinds of mole, and the coastal areas offer many fish and seafood dishes.
After history and cuisine comes the sea. Cancún is Mexico's best-known Caribbean resort, with long sandy beaches and a wide choice of hotels. South of it begins the Riviera Maya, which stretches along the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo.
Playa del Carmen is one of the main tourist centres in the area. It is more compact than Cancún and a convenient base for excursions to cenotes, archaeological sites and the island of Cozumel.
Cozumel is known for its coral reefs and is a popular place for diving and snorkelling. Further down the coast lies Tulum - an area that combines archaeology, beaches and nature reserves.
Why and when to visit?
Mexico is one of those destinations where the route can be fully tailored to the traveller's interests. For history lovers, the combination of Mexico City, Teotihuacan and the Maya cities offers much more than a visit to a single sight.
For a beach holiday, the months from late autumn to spring are usually best. The Caribbean coast is especially popular at that time. If your trip focuses on cultural sights, you can also choose periods outside the peak tourist season.
A good option for a first visit is a combination of Mexico City and Yucatán or the Riviera Maya. This lets you combine ancient civilisations, colonial history, Mexican cuisine and a few days by the Caribbean Sea.
Mexico is a country of great geographical and cultural diversity. The pyramids are among the strongest reasons to visit, but behind them are cities, festivals, art and cuisine that give a fuller picture of the country. And for those who prefer to relax, the Caribbean coast offers a completely different rhythm - white beaches, a warm sea, cenotes and the chance to take short trips to some of the most interesting archaeological sites in the Americas.
